Warming Oceans

By now the majority of us recognise that global climate change is happening and that there is probably not enough being done to slow it down. But what does this change in climate actually mean for us, and for our environment?

A recent study at the University of Exeter and published in the journal Nature Climate Change, researched what climate change and global warming would mean for our North Sea fish. These fish are the ones that we in the UK are used to eating. For instance, haddock, plaice, lemon sole and other cold water, bottom dwelling fish. It is predicted that the warming of our oceans will force these fish to move northwards, into cooler waters. These new areas may not provide suitable habitat for them, leading to a reduction in their populations. If fewer popular fish are caught by fishermen across the UK, then the cost to the consumer will have to rise dramatically. This could mean a Friday night haddock and chips may not only become well out of our price range but also unsustainable!

Traditional Fish and chips (image source: http://hungryinhouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fish_Chips.jpg)

Here at Anyfin is Possible, we don't like to dwell on the negative, but instead think about the new fish this could bring into UK waters. This shift in species distributions could mean usually warmer water fish like that of red mullet, john dory, gurnard and sardines become more abundant and therefore increasingly available locally. If we as consumers can switch our tastes to these less widely eaten fish then we can continue with cheap, sustainable and healthy fish meals for years to come. In reality, the tastes of many varieties of white fish are quite similar and once we get over the difference in name we may find we don't miss cod and haddock at all! 

Beautiful fresh Red Gurnard from Brixham Fish Market